Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Implant-based breast reconstruction trends in China hospitals 2022
By Zhang Q et al.·2025·From the Department of Breast Surgery, China·View original on Europe PMC →
PetCaseFinder translated the abstract of this peer-reviewed paper into plain English so pet owners can read it. We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above. How we work →
Original publication title: Current Practices and Evolving Trends in Implant-based Breast Reconstruction in China: A Nationwide Cross-sectional Survey.
Plain-English summary
A recent survey looked at how breast reconstruction using implants is being done in China, focusing on practices and trends across 215 hospitals. The results showed that hospitals that perform more of these surgeries tend to have more specialists and higher rates of reconstruction, with implant-based procedures making up about 93.5% of their cases. Most hospitals used a single mesh to support the implants, and a technique called direct-to-implant reconstruction was the most common method. However, there are still concerns about complications like capsular contracture (tightening around the implant), infections, and implant loss. Overall, while more hospitals are adopting these techniques, there are still issues with access and safety that need to be addressed.
Abstract
<h4>Background</h4>Implant-based breast reconstruction (IBBR) is widely used globally and in China, but regional disparities and concerns about complications persist. This nationwide survey evaluates current IBBR practices and trends.<h4>Methods</h4>A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 215 hospitals in 2022, collecting data on surgical volume, reconstruction types, mesh usage, and complications. A total of 198 hospitals provided complete responses, with 122 offering IBBR.<h4>Results</h4>IBBR hospitals had higher surgical volumes, greater bed capacity, more breast specialists, and higher reconstruction rates. In these hospitals, IBBR accounted for a median of 93.5% of reconstructions, with a median annual volume of 24.5 (interquartile range [IQR]: 9-59.3). High-volume hospitals (≥100 IBBR/y) performed 69.4% of cases. TiLOOP Bra was available in 76.2% of hospitals, with 45.9% using it in more than 50% of cases. Prepectoral reconstruction comprised a median of 30% of IBBR cases. Most IBBR procedures used a single mesh (median 95%, IQR: 60%-100%), whereas 2-mesh usage was rare. Direct-to-implant reconstruction with mesh was the most common immediate approach (54.1%), increasing from 23.2% in 2017. Radiation therapy (62.3%), capsular contracture (62.3%), and infection (61.5%) were the leading concerns. Estimated median complication rates were 5% (IQR: 0%-10%) for contracture, 3% (IQR: 1%-10%) for infection, and 2% (IQR: 0%-5%) for implant loss.<h4>Conclusions</h4>IBBR adoption is increasing in China, particularly with mesh-assisted techniques such as TiLOOP Bra. However, disparities in access and concerns over complications highlight the need for standardized care and further research.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication on Europe PMC: https://europepmc.org/article/MED/41800205